Essien, Mensah, Olele: Stephen Appiah's leadership 'cartel' that ensured unity in Black Stars

Ex-Black Stars defender, Lee Addy, has expressed his gratitude towards the iconic footballer, Stephen Appiah, for instilling discipline and fostering unity within the team during his tenure as captain.

In a conversation with Ernest Brew Smith, Lee Addy revealed that Stephen Appiah took significant measures to ensure mutual respect among players and facilitated a smooth transition for the younger and locally-based players.

Addy elaborated that Appiah established a leadership group comprising veteran team members, tasked with upholding respect and unity within the camp.

He attributed the Black Stars' success during that era to the solidarity and discipline that Appiah and the leadership group nurtured.

Lee Addy credited the harmonious environment for enabling newcomers, like him, to seamlessly integrate into the Black Stars camp and perform optimally.

"Praising Stephen Appiah is a must. Upon becoming captain, he created an alliance with the senior players. This group included Eric Addo, John Mensah, John Paintsil, Matthew Amoah, Hans Adu Sarpei, Olele, Sulley, and Michael Essien.

"Appiah, having played for prestigious clubs like Juventus, was regarded as a senior figure. With Essien, Asamoah Gyan, and Sulley Muntari at their prime, the team's strong foundation, respect, and unity among the seniors set an example for the younger players to follow. Stephen Appiah, with his generation of players, laid a solid groundwork for us," he stated.

At 38, Lee Addy has retired, concluding a commendable career with the Black Stars and various prominent European clubs.

His career highlights include stints in Serbia and Croatia, playing for teams such as Red Star Belgrade, Dinamo Zagreb, Cukaricki, and Lokomotiva Zagreb.

Internationally, he represented the Black Stars in 30 matches, including the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Watch Lee Addy's interview below



EK/AE